The African-American Male Achievers Network, Inc. (A-MAN)

The African-American Male Achievers Network, Inc. (A-MAN) was founded in 1991 as an outgrowth of a pilot educational research project funded by the University of California at Los Angeles. Its mission is to utilize science and technology as a motivational tool and to advance the educational achievement and intellectual and career development of African-American students and other minority students 5-17 years of age.

With its motto: "Save the Community by using technology as a solution and promote technologists," A-MAN seeks partnerships with individuals and institutions who share the vision to increase diversity in the special interest fields of science and technology.

Program Benefits

• Students' mentors share experiences and perspectives and encourage a thirst for learning.
• Students will be prepared for the Information Highway and become proficient in software and computer knowledge.
• Students' and community awareness is raised regarding the importance of science and technological understanding.

Status

A-MAN is currently serving about 1200 students in Los Angeles County regardless of race; color; religious creed; national origin; financial need; sex; ancestry; physical disability; or medical condition. A-MAN, Inc. is a California State approved mentoring program.

The year-round International Science Discovery and Learning Center (ISD&L) is provided for students and fosters an interest in science through hands-on activities to prepare students to be outstanding citizens in the next millennium. The after school, weekend and summer program is an exciting environment using laser beams; robotics lab, science lab, computer lab, multimedia lab, reading/mathematics lab, research lab and a permanent exhibit on the Tuskegee Airmen. A-MAN also is involved in technology-based educational assistance programs in the country of South Africa.

During former President Clinton's 1997 Summit on America's Future in Philadelphia, A-MAN signed a proclamation of commitment to replicate the ISD&L concept at 200 V/R sites across the nation by the year 2010.

The Lemelson Foundation grant is used to fund the Project MASC (Mathematics and Science Care) program at the ISD&L.